A microwave is one of the quickest and most convenient ways to heat up and cook your food.
However, we’ve all experienced a splatter of beans or soup on the roof of the microwave, and when you’re hungry, you swear to yourself that you’ll clean it later and before you know it, the build up of beans is thick and hard to tackle.
- Cleaning a microwave with white vinegar
- What are the benefits of cleaning with white vinegar?
- How to clean a microwave with white vinegar
- How to clean greasy microwave doors
- How to get rid of a burnt smell
- How often should you clean your microwave?
- How often should you replace your microwave?
- Alternative ways of cleaning your microwave
- Conclusion
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It’s important to regularly clean your microwave, even if you don’t plan on using it so your food doesn’t taste of other foods and as horrible as it sounds, you don’t want other food particles dripping into your fresh food that you’ve just put in to cook.
We are here to help you and talk you through how you can clean your microwave with white vinegar.
Cleaning a microwave with white vinegar
White vinegar is used for many different reasons in and out of the household. It’s an amazing cleaning product and it can make your whole house shine bright. If it wasn’t for the potent smell, it would probably be more involved in the daily cleaning schedule of many people.
When it comes to cleaning your microwave, white vinegar is the easiest and cheapest option. It is also completely safe to use.
White vinegar is acidic, so it is a fantastic natural cleaning product. Due to the fact it is full of acidity, it will aid in removing dirt and grime easily.
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What are the benefits of cleaning with white vinegar?
- White vinegar is very cheap
- It doesn’t contain any harsh chemicals
- It works well in removing odours
- It is an environmentally friendly product
How to clean a microwave with white vinegar
Put 2 cups of water and 2 tablespoons of vinegar in a bowl. If you find the smell of vinegar is too potent, add essential oil to mask it. Add a toothpick to the bowl of water which will prevent the water from boiling out over the edges of the bowl.
Place the bowl in the microwave, close the door and put it on high for 5 minutes.
When it’s done and the timer goes off, let it sit for 2-3 more minutes with the door closed. This will allow the steam to continue and will loosen up any food particles that may still be attached to the inside of the microwave.
Be mindful that the bowl will be hot so take extra care when you remove it. Carefully remove the turntable tray as well and wash it.
Wipe down the microwave with a sponge and the particles will come right off.

How to clean greasy microwave doors
When it comes to cleaning your microwave, it isn’t just about the inside, the outside needs cleaning too. There will most likely be smudges and grease from in between cooking periods.
Clean the whole door, including both sides, the edges and where it seals the oven. Use a damp sponge with warm water and dip it in a small amount of baking soda. Use a dry microfiber cloth to dry and buff it.
If you have a greasy window, it’s best to use a 50/50 mixture of water and vinegar. Rinse and wipe dry.
If there is a heavy build-up of grease then you can wipe your microwave door down with a grease cleaner or dish soap and water. Use a cloth or sponge to apply to the cleaner in order to prevent the cleaner from getting into the vent holes.
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How to get rid of a burnt smell
Whatever you cook in the microwave, the smell of it may continue to linger when you use it again. This is why it’s important to get rid of any smells as soon as they become present.
For lighter odours such as spicy food, leave the oven door open. Alternatively, you can place a baking soda bowl inside and close to the door in order for it to absorb any of the smells.
For stronger odours, place an odour absorbing gel to clean up any leftover residue and leave it inside until you use it again.
How often should you clean your microwave?
You should be wiping over your microwave after every use, and leave the door open to ensure that the air is ventilated. Otherwise, a deep clean could be done anywhere from every one week to four weeks.
It depends on the bacteria build up and what you’ve been cooking in it. It’s the same with if you’re barely using it, you could go even longer than 4 weeks.
How often should you replace your microwave?
If you’re maintaining your microwave properly, then it can last for years and years. However, 10 years is usually the length of time that a microwave is manufactured to last.

Alternative ways of cleaning your microwave
Baking soda is another great way of cleaning your microwave. It is great for cutting through grease which is bound to build up within your microwave. It’s best for you to use gloves whilst doing this.
Remove your plate and turntable ring from your microwave and put it to one side to clean in the sink.
Sprinkle ¼ a cup of baking soda around your microwave and use a damp cloth to wipe the baking soda all around, including on any stains. Rinse your cloth and remove any of the remaining soda. If any residue remains, repeat the process.
Lemon juice has many different properties, including antibacterial and anti fungal. This makes it a great cleaning product and why you’ll notice that lemon is used in many different products also. You will be able to get rid of any smells that are coming from your microwave using this solution.
Fill your microwave with a measuring bowl that is halfway full of water. Cut a lemon in half and put it into the water. Ensure that you’re squeezing some juice in there too. Turn your microwave on high for three minutes and be mindful to wear gloves when removing the bowl.
Washing-up liquid is known for making our dishes sparkle. It can definitely do the same for your microwave. Remove the plate and turntable ring and fill your microwave with a bowl and warm water. Add a small amount of washing up liquid and create suds by stirring. Dip a cloth or sponge into the water and clean the interior and exterior of your microwave.
Window cleaners can help you in cleaning the inside of your microwave. Take a microwavable bowl and spray a few pumps of window cleaner, and then add a cup of water.
Spray the inside of the microwave with your window cleaner and place the bowl in the microwave on high for approximately 5 minutes.
Be mindful to remove the bowl wearing gloves as it will be hot. Use a paper towel to remove any residue that is left from the window cleaner.
Conclusion
Your microwave is one of the most used items within your kitchen, and so it deserves to be looked after. If you don’t want to use vinegar when cleaning it, you can use one of the alternative cleaning methods that have also been listed above. Whichever way you choose to clean your microwave, be mindful that the most effective way is to use vinegar.
We hope we have given you enough information in order to make your microwave clean and smell free.
Farah Zeb is a mother of five, including two children with special needs. She shares practical parenting tips and resources to help other families navigate daily challenges and create supportive, nurturing environments.